With the struggles Houston had at quarterback last season, Manziel is clearly a viable option, as well as Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater and UCF’s Blake Bortles.

Phillips, however, said the Texans should go after the local product, in part, because Manziel reminds him of a quarterback he used to coach with the Buffalo Bills.

“I had [Doug] Flutie,” Phillips said. “And I had him at the end of his career. He was a lot older at that time, but those kinds of guys who can make first downs when you’re not supposed to, I think they give you something.” Phillips said.

“I just like the way he plays,” Phillips added later. “I think he makes plays that nobody else can make.”

Phillips may end up sharing the same opinion as the Texans’ new coaching staff, or his comments may not mean much at all.

It is unlikely that Phillips’ answer contributed to his dismissal from the organization. At the very least, however, Phillips’ take on Manziel provides an interesting look at the way a respected defensive coach views the former Texas A&M quarterback.